Sheila Clark reflects on National Careers Week and times of change in education and youth employment policy – and reaffirms our commitment to advocating for young people.
This National Careers Week, our CEO Sheila Clark reflects on recent announcements including the SEND White Paper, and outlines Career Connect’s four key recommendations to reduce youth employment and help all young people to fulfil their potential.
National Careers Week reminds us how vital it is to ensure that, from day one, children and young people should have access to the systems and tools they need to succeed.
Over the last few months, we’ve seen a number of major government announcements regarding youth employment and education.
SEND White Paper
The latest is the SEND white paper, which covers a lot of ground. We welcome the government’s commitment to expanding SEND and mental health support across schools and FE settings.
Our research shows that 20% of young people with an Education Health and Care Plan spend time not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Year 12, rising to almost double – 38% – for those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
It’s essential that the forthcoming policy detail demonstrates how new provision will be targeted to support effective transitions from school to Further Education (FE) for this group.
We’re also encouraged by the ambition to improve data‑sharing between schools, local authorities and post‑16 providers. However, we need greater clarity on which agency will lead this work, and what shared benchmarks or accountability mechanisms will ensure smooth, consistent transitions for young people with SEMH needs.
The proposals for individual support plans and the Experts at Hand model are promising steps toward earlier, more accessible intervention, something we know from experience is critical to improving long‑term outcomes.
Given that reforms will be phased, it’s vital that young people currently in the SEND system, who won’t benefit from some of the changes, receive the targeted, timely support they need as they approach their post‑16 pathways and plan for their futures.
Our commitment to young people
As the various White Papers develop into policies, and based on our frontline experience and research, at Career Connect we’ll continue to advocate for all young people to have access to:
- Early identification of risk of NEET, and intervention from Year 9 or earlier – supported by improved data sharing and quality
- Targeted, tailored support, designed with young people themselves
- Dedicated support at key transition points such as post-16 or post-18 – especially for young people with additional needs
- National benchmarks for NEET support services, akin to the Gatsby Benchmarks in schools – ensuring quality and consistency in the support all young people receive.
Only by taking a truly joined-up approach, identifying need early and meeting young people where they are on their journey, can we begin to steer away from the current crisis of progression that so many of our young people – through no fault of their own – are facing.
I do feel hopeful. And that hope comes from meeting the inspiring young people who use our charity’s services – hearing their hopes and dreams, and seeing their potential.
It is our duty to give them what they need.
